Postdoctoral fellow in free electron laser design - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Division of Synchrotron Radiation Physics (http://www.sljus.lu.se) is a part of the Department of Physics and has more than 40 employees. The focus of the research is on experimental studies of electronic, structural, and chemical properties of materials. The Division is developing a new activity focussing on magnetic properties.  At the Division we use and develop a wide range of large facility- and lab-based techniques. We are additionally engaged in the development of the MAX IV Laboratory in the fields of beamlines, experimental stations, techniques for Synchrotron radiation and the accelerator systems. MAX IV (www.maxiv.lu.se/) is a national large-scale research laboratory hosted by Lund University and situated within biking distance from the Department of Physics. It provides scientists from Sweden and the rest of the world with the most brilliant Synchrotron radiation source and instrumentation for research in areas such as materials science, structural biology, chemistry and nanotechnology.

MAX IV is a national large-scale research laboratory providing scientists from Sweden and the rest of the world with instruments for research in areas such as materials science, structural biology, chemistry and nanotechnology. Fully developed it will receive more than 2 000 scientists annually. 200 people are currently employed at the MAX IV Laboratory.

Subject description
The SXL (Soft X-ray Laser) project is a project for a Free Electron Laser in the soft X-ray energy range at the MAX IV facility at Lund University. An initial design study is funded and will be completed in 2021. The funding comes from the Knut & Alice Wallenberg foundation and several Swedish universities. The SXL will be based on the 3 GeV linac already in operation at the MAX IV.

The Post doc position is placed at the Science faculty at Lund University. The FEL modeling of the SXL is led by Ass. Prof. Francesca Curbis and the group’s work on Free Electron Laser studies is co-ordinated by Prof. Sverker Werin.

Work duties
The main duties involved in a postdoctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position shall include the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.

The initial task will be to work with the final building blocks of the FEL simulations for the SXL project, relevant for the initial design study.

In the second part, the baseline design provides a parameter space which should be expanded with advanced modes of operation. This includes sub femtosecond pulses, coherence enhancement, two colour and double pulses. Here creativity and exploring the special features in the baseline are important. This can also include going beyond the SXL project, and address similar questions in a more general approach relevant for FEL development as such.

The project may also include measurements on the existing accelerator at MAX IV, to verify the accelerator modeling, and beam time at operating FELs (especially FLASH and FERMI).

Qualification requirements
Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position, completed no more than three years before the last date for applications. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

The successful candidate should have a thorough experience of FEL simulations and modeling. The suitable postdoc should be able to both work alone and to collaborate with the other persons in the team. Ability to discuss and share knowledge and results is crucial for building the overall competence in the project. Creativity and ability to discuss and jointly develop the second phase of the SXL with advanced features for the FEL will be crucial.

Additional requirements:

• A PhD in FEL physics, Accelerator physics or equivalent subject.
• Experience and good knowledge of FEL simulations (including time-dependent simulations).
• Knowledge of and ability to model and analyze accelerator systems.
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Experience of FEL and accelerator operation is an advantage.
• Experience from previous FEL design studies is an advantage.

Assessment criteria and other qualifications
This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers.

Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Teaching skills.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment
This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of a maximum of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”) between Lund University, SACO-S, OFR/S and SEKO, dated 4 September 2008.

Instructions on how to apply
Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• résumé/CV, including a list of publications,
• a general description of past research and future research interests (no more than three pages),
• contact information of at least two references,
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.